Sao Paulo, or Sampa as it is also often called, is the largest city in Brazil, and the third largest city in the world, with a population of about 18 million, and about 16.5 million visitors each year. People from Sao Paulo city are called ‘Paulistanos’, while those from Sao Paulo State are called ‘Paulistas’.

A very international city, with many European immigrants and their descendants, Sao Paulo also has the largest Japanese population outside of Japan. The official language is Portuguese, but many people also speak English, Spanish and French as well as many Asian languages.

The best of São Paulo's gastronomy, nightlife, and museums are spread in the area that circles Downtown, and that is where most visitors stay.

The major industries in Sao Paulo are coffee, finance, and marketing. The city is home to 3 division A football(soccer) teams, and the games often sell out months in advance.

The state is located below the equator, so the climate is warm and slightly humid. The average temperature in January is 21 C/70F, while the average in July is 14 C/57F.

São Paulo has three major airports: Guarulhos International (GRU) and Viracopos (CPQ) for international and some domestic arrivals, and Congonhas (CGH) for most medium and short haul domestic flights.

Like most major metropolitan areas, there is ample public transport by bus, taxi, and a rail network, composed of metro (subway) and surface trains.

As the art center of the country, São Paulo offers museums and cultural centers in a variety of subjects.Two museums visitors should be sure to see are Museu do Ipiranga and Memorial da América Latina.The two most important concert and opera houses of the city are Theatro Municipal and Sala São Paulo.The city also has a zoo, an aquarium, and many parks for hiking and recreation.